Thursday, October 16, 2008

Two similar occasions, one was the PWTC Open House hosted by our PM, the other Hari Raya Open House hosted by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and yet how different the treatment…The very same 6years old Vwaishnavi, daughter of Hindraf chairman P.Waythamoorthy with the almost similar home made, Hari Raya greeting card carrying the same message accompanied by a teddy bear. The same Hindraf supporters of approximately 200 members, in their now familiar, orange Tee shirts. The very same occasion of Hari Raya open house but only this time hosted by the opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur on 12th October 2008.

As the supporters began to gather outside Sultan Sulaiman Club, our Muslim brothers who were passing by smiled and waved at us. In return Hindraf supporters wished them "Selamat Hari Raya bang”. Police officers on duty too were greeted Selamat Hari Raya by the Hindraf supporters, some of them wished us back while some just smiled and waved. What a contrast from the reception we got from the policemen on duty at PWTC? Were these officers the same ones who stopped and bullied us at PWTC? On whose orders?

Similar to our attendance at PWTC on the 1st of October 2008, Vwaishnnavi and her mother Mrs.Shanti took the lead into the club together with the Kapar MP YB Manikavasagam. The moment we stepped into the compound YB Zuraida Kamaruddin, the Ampang MP welcomed us . There was an announcement made to mark our presence and thousands of our Malaysian Muslim brothers cheered, clapped and welcomed us into the hall. Among the MPs who welcomed us were YB Tian Chua , YB Sivarasah ,YB Nurul Izzah and I might have missed some of the other hospitable YB's. Minta Maaf.

YB Anwar Ibrahim and Datin Wan Azizah who came in after prayers welcomed the hundreds of the Hindraf supporters with a welcoming smile .They shook hands with each and every one of us. We greeted them "Selamat Hari Raya, Release all ISA detainees and Abolish ISA". Datuk Seri confidently said "sure I will" to me and I believe to the rest as well. To digress a bit, no body says "Makkal Shakti" with so much conviction, encouragement and yet these powerful words of "Peoples'Power" is expressed with gentleness by Kak Wan – truly a woman of substance!! They accepted the same home made card and the teddy bear from little Vwaishnnavi.

Yet what a difference on how we were received by the two hosts and how it was reported by media, Hindraf had been demonized for attending the PWTC open house on 1st October 2008.Frankly, we never anticipated the shameful way we were treated during the Hari Raya Open House hosted by none other than the PM of Malaysia and his cabinet ministers at PWTC.Malaysians were fully aware of intentions of getting our Hindraf leaders out before Deepavali so that they may celebrate this auspicious occasion with their family. We are also serious about getting our brother RPK and other ISA detainees released. All of which was turned, twisted , manipulated and propagated by the powers that be.

Hindraf was accused as "Biadap" , "Kurang Ajar" "Pengacau" and the most heart breaking "Insulting Islam and Muslims of this country". This was further compounded with 4 Hindraf supporters being summoned to the Dang Wangi Police station for merely attending the open house of the Prime Minister.

They were charged for illegal gathering?? and trespassing?? at PM's Open House. By the way, we even informed Senior Officers in Putra Jaya on 22nd Sept 2008, that Vwaishnnavi and some of us Hindraf supporters would be at the Open House, PM's secretary assured us that we would be welcome at the open house. Additionally, wasn't the PM's invitation to the open house extended to all Malaysians?

So then why PM Sir, were we consistently provoked ever since we stepped into PWTC premises? You yourself saw how the hand made Hari Raya card by six years old Vwaishnnavi was torn by your officials? This wasn't a petition or a memo. A simple self made Hari Raya Greeting card offered to you by a Malaysian Child was taken over by dozens of police officers who stormed in to confiscate and rip it apart, what an insult to the Indian children and the entire Malaysian community!!

Why then did you say we did not greet you? You and your advisors, the police insulted us Indians, every step of our way in the Open House. Are we not correct to assume that the Hari Raya Open House was paid by us Malaysian Tax payers? So then, why were we so badly treated at our own Malaysian open house? Mr PM, don't you consider us Hindraf supporters as Malaysians?

Is it wrong for us to ask you to release our Hindraf leaders, RPK and other ISA detainees, who are in prison, without you giving us any valid reasons for their imprisonment? So many Malaysians of all races concur with us that the draconian ISA law should be abolished, even members of your own cabinet voiced it out, so what's so wrong about us voicing our democratic right at our own Malaysian Open House??

Then again, why didn't Datuk Seri Anwar , Datin Wan Azizah , rest of the YBs and VIPs present at Sultan Sulaiman Club think that Hindraf as Biadap , Kurang Ajar , pengacau. Our Malay brothers there never commented or felt that Hindraf had insulted theMuslims, by attending this open house in our orange colored Tee shirts with a simple home made Raya greeting card and a teddy bear?? By the way we still asked that ISA be abolished and detainees released, yet what a contrast in treatment we received at PWTC ?

The Main stream media especially the Malay newspapers under your control has blamed and accused us for unruly behavior, labeled our women and children as trouble makers and said Hindraf supporters never respected Hari Raya. The Almighty God knows the truth and you too should let all Malaysians know the truth, that we conducted ourselves with decorum, even though we were initially stopped and not allowed to meet you.

You all with your propaganda had Hindraf demonized, some of you even wanted the society deregistered, do you think you can kill the spirit of Hindraf?? Sorry, we are not just a society, we are a united in spirit, not just Indians, but every Anak Bangsa Malaysia, and this spirit can never die, it will continue until we are accorded due respect as Malaysian citizens.

One may ask why we chose the Hari Raya Open House, our answer Mr Prime Minister is that you have just avoided all our calls to meet you in your office or elsewhere. We have no other choice but to state our request at this open house, we wanted you to look us in the eyes so that we can directly tell you to release our leaders, RPK and other detainees. That's all. So cut out the condemnation and lies about our behaviour.

Many guests who were at the PWTC open house did not even know that we were present. Categorically we did not create any ruckus or commotion, full familes came in support. We are the ones who feel insulted that you did not treat us Malaysian citizens with due respect of a courteous host, especially as one would expect from a person of your stature.

I might not be a scholar on religion, but I can definitely say what the Prime Minister , the deputy prime minister, the home minister , the information minister, the tourism minister, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister and rest of the ministers have said against Hindraf on and after the 1st of October 2008 Hari Raya Open House at PWTC - untruths, insincerity and lies are never condoned and unacceptable by any religion!!

Hindraf, hats off for your dignity, your bravery to speak the truth, your openess to confront the evils...My heartwarm love for all the Hindraf and the family, and ISA detainees.. May God bless our country !!!report abusevote downvote upVotes: +92...written by PAKRAK, October 14, 2008 21:52:12

Put it this way: The Hindrafs were not welcome to the HR open house. If DAP, PAS, or PKR were to attend in big groups, I am sure 'they' (UMNO) would even protest. Next time we will not go to any BN/UMNO HR open house. Happy Deepavali in advance. Hindraf, this time stay away from MIC (Samy Velu) open house.report abusevote downvote upVotes: +47...written by sonofmalaysia, October 14, 2008 21:59:23

Dear Hindraf,

All decent Malaysians are behind you to face adversity and to fight evil . Our country history will remember your courage and endeavour to fend for the poor, the oppressed and the deprived.

Soldier on , victory will be yours and ours, the new bangsa Malaysia !!report abusevote downvote upVotes: +41...written by kennyeu, October 14, 2008 22:03:44

What a wonderful piece of writing, so pure in its truth and emotions. I'll stand with Hindraf like I would stand with RPK any day. We should all stand for what is right and what is just in this World and to me Hindraf is right.

The God whom we serve is a fair and just God. Truth will prevail. As Deepavali approaches, our thoughts and prayers are with you.report abusevote downvote upVotes: +26...written by Proud_2b_Malaysian, October 14, 2008 22:11:04

When the aspiration is different to the Government, it is considered anti-establishment, no matter how dignified and noble that aspiration may be. Malaysians have lost the right to demand accountability to the tax money collect as if those taxes entered into the twilight zone known only to those in the know. PM Open House is paid by Malaysian tax payers but hey, who cares after money changes hands.

When things are said and done that may not appeal to the Government, please examine the motivation. Is it terrorism or is it patriotism? And patriotism is for the country, its freedom and its dignity, not blind support to Government policies.

Same actions at two different places of the same Hari Raya Open House event, we get two opposing reactions. What happened? Unless there's something to hide, we are all Malaysians celebrating together. And each bears a message, whether it's about "Abolishing ISA" or "Pak Lah I support you", they are messages brought by Malaysians of differing views.

My Hindraf Brothers, it is apparent that the MIC is scared of your capabilities and is behind much of the negativity that is being propaganded by the BN. Your objectives are being ignored on purpose to satisfy their political thirsts and by doing so support for your cause is multiplying. Push on.report abusevote downvote upVotes: +18...written by jammary88, October 14, 2008 22:26:36

PM and BN/UMNO share their joyous occasion with their cronies only not with the rakyat. It's a cultural shock to them.report abusevote downvote upVotes: +12...written by New Malaysian, October 14, 2008 22:30:14

Kudos to you Mr Sambulingam and gang for soldiering on against rowdy, untruthful, arrogant leaders who only make a show of invitation to their "Open House". The comments from the PM, which were very clear that you made him "kecewa" then degenerated into, "I don't know if they wished others as I had gone off for prayers!" It was all hearsay from then on! Really, Mr PM, you are working alone........ and no wonder!

Did the 4th floor boys advise you that this can be turned to advantage?

Hope you can take a cue from Pakatan on how to treat your guests - even if they were all clad in orange T-shirts with a message to give!report abusevote downvote upVotes: +11...written by Fatcat, October 14, 2008 22:39:46

The Guilty will always be defensive and abusive.report abusevote downvote upVotes: +6...written by Spear Bing, October 14, 2008 22:45:57

Hindraf officials should not be condescending. The PWTC open house issue is just a storm in teacup. Why continue to harp so long as your conscience remains truthful?Move on.... there are more important issues to tackle.report abusevote downvote upVotes: -18...written by future, October 14, 2008 22:50:22

To All Hindraf Supporters,

The truth is the govt.is 'Kurang Ajar and Biadap' and what a shame even the PMand his cabinets misbehave seperti orang yang tahu adat.

Brother Sambulingam,Kudos all around for doing the Indian community a great service and renderingthe Traitor Samy Velu irrelevant and impotent.Glad to hear you refer to theMalays as our Brethren. They are and so too are the rest of humanity.They tried to fan the flames but of course they have failed. They will, of course,try harder and may Lord God frustrate and foil their plans. For they are unjust,and the unjust must fail for our nation to prosper.Happy Deepavali to all at HINDRAF and all our Malaysian Brethren.Makkal Sakti. Om Shanti.report abusevote downvote upVotes: +14...written by hanisma, October 14, 2008 23:04:13

MSM should telecast and give report on the open house of DSAI at Kg Bahru and Ceruk Tok Kun. Alas, they are biased when truth is concerned, what more if it would lead to the rakyats losing faith on BN/Umno's regime. Shame on you Pak Lah and all the Muslim ministers for the unkind and unjust treatment given to HINDRAF on the first day of Syawal. I, a Muslim, am shameful to have a PM and his bunch of ministers who are all idiots and morons!!!report abusevote downvote upVotes: +8...written by Margeemar, October 14, 2008 23:05:03

It is very clear here from what happened at the Hari Raya open house of Badawi and DSAI, TV3, Utusan Malaysia and Syed Hamid Albar were not only demonizing Hindraf but also trying to cause racial and religious unrest. To you Syed Hamid, the Muslim editors of Utusan Malaysia, the Muslim management and news readers of TV3, you clowns are all MURTAD (APOSTATES)!!! Seksa dalam kubur menanti hang semua!!!...More http://margeemar.blogspot.comreport abusevote downvote upVotes: +12...written by msiaman, October 14, 2008 23:07:27

HINDRAF seem to bring out the true colors of our leaders. Now why is it so?

They thought with their high mighty power, they can do whatever they could. They have ignored the people power. We shall see how this leads us....report abusevote downvote upVotes: +8...written by dassky2000, October 14, 2008 23:17:32

Only the guilty will shy away, like what the Pee Em did at his Hari Raya open house. He is guilty guilty guilty. no mistake this time. He and his croonies will go to hell and the gate keys will be disposed so that they will never step foot into this beutiful earth ever in another life.

Seems like even god/allah won't want to accept them. God/allah is afraid that these BN UMNO theives will take over god's/ allah's place in heaven or hell.

Stupid BN dont know, Hindraf is following good principles and using righteousness and good values in their struggle.If not for the leaders who are following vivekananda's teachings,

Malaysia would have seen a worse situation.

Hindraf leaders controlled the entire 20000 plus crowd to calm down when grandfathers and granmothers were running haywire when the first tear gas bomb hit us you BN morons. Hindraf leaders stopped the youths from attacking police and making a mess.

BN should be thankful. If they had tried this on any other Indian Group, they would have got hit by slippers, They would get back the treatment that was asked by rahim Tamby kecik and they would have got an extreme uncontollable scenario.

BN is lucky that its the educated and civilised Indians are in charge of Hindraf. Until now the leaders are patiently negotiating and fasting and talking.

You try this with any other Indian groups, BN would be having nightmare.You are lucky BN, You are very lucky. IF for good people you try to make into Hooligans, what would you have if the Hooligans turun padang???

You are lucky BN, very lucky. The entire community is in submission to waytha and the Hindraf 5. other than few MIC scumbags, Even Hooligans are patient not to revoke anger of the Indian community by retaliating.

knowing Hindraf Patience, MIC & BN are trying to create a lashback, will not happen as long as the top leaders are following the principles of Hindraf.

BN you are unlucky because for generations the Indians vote will never come back to you. we will never ever vote for you again. We remember alot

we remember our children being hit by tear gas, our mothers being stampeded by people, oour fathers beaten by your batons. we remember.

we will teach our children and their children.This is Our history.

You made it: BN

HIDUP RAKYAT!report abusevote downvote up

written by 1351, October 15, 2008 04:12:40

Only now have I been able to catch up with some reading so heads up Sambulingam for the unpleasant encounter hosted by one Dollah Badawi. And indeed most disheartening to note, the home made card and teddy were confiscated and ripped up.

I have just these plain words for them foul mouth, most ungracious mongrels disguising themselves as PM, Ministers, ranking UMNO shitheads etc. The six year old kid exemplifies better mannerism in her conduct in celebration an occasion not of her faith - clearly, the enemies of the state, the enemies of Islam ALL reside within UMNO. Poster margeemar in her most eloquent Bahasa Malaysia says it best.

You are a disgrace to your father's name. You and your ministers are nothing more than thieving rats and going about the plunder by incitement. Many have not fallen for that and for that, I am doubly proud of my Malay brethens. And since the race bait is not biting, you the so-called anak alim have sanctioned the use of Islam to advance your politics of hate but to pick on a six year old girl has to be a new low for you corrupt UMNO monkeys. I dare say, even the Tun himself would not stoop to such standards.

Go ahead and continue to victimise Hindraf Dollah. Each and every time you do that, I will remind public at large the treatment you afforded six year old Vwaishnavi. I'm almost certain, if Kak Endon were around, she will kick you where it hurts. Celaka punya PEE M. Makkal Sakti.Casper

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Hindraf Rally 25th November 2007

The rally's estimated to be 100 000 people gathered outside the Petronas Twin Towers at midnight, early Sunday morning.At least 240 people were detained, but half of them were later released. One day before the rally, police arrested three HINDRAF lawyers, P. Uthayakumar, P. Waytha Moorthy and V. Ganabatirau for sedition charges. Uthayakumar and Ganabatirau posted bail of 800 Malaysian ringgits each, but Waytha Moorthy refused bail as a sign of protest.